CNA Classes & Programs in Abilene, Texas
8 state-approved CNA programs in Abilene, including online, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free programs are offered in other Texas cities.
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CNA training in Abilene
- Programs
- 8
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $32,880
- $16.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 850
- in the Abilene region
- Healthcare facilities
- 21
- 11 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 8 home health agencies
- Population
- 126,356
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Abilene is home to 8 CNA programs that serve individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in west-central Texas. With its blend of urban amenities and regional character, Abilene offers aspiring CNAs multiple pathways into patient care roles through approved local training providers.
The city’s CNA classes help students meet requirements for Texas certification while building essential practical skills valued by healthcare employers throughout Abilene. Program options include accelerated 4-week courses designed for those seeking a quicker path to employment as well as flexible schedules that accommodate different learning needs. Graduates benefit from access to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies across Abilene’s medical community.
In Abilene, CNAs earn around $32,880 annually according to local data—slightly below the statewide average—which may reflect cost-of-living factors unique to this region. Completing CNA courses here can open doors to stable healthcare jobs across various facility types.
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Browse CNA Classes in Abilene
Students in Abilene can choose from 8 CNA programs—including accelerated 4-week classes—that prepare them for Texas CNA certification and placement on the state registry. Each CNA training program equips graduates with hands-on skills needed for success in local healthcare careers where CNAs are valued members of patient care teams throughout Abilene.
Program Types in Abilene
| Type | In Abilene | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Abilene | See other Texas cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 8 CNA programs in Abilene
Lowest published cost first.
Cisco College
Cost$850Hours100Weeks5
- Address
- 717 E Industrial Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 794-4400
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Cisco College offers a 100 hour nurse aide course with lecture and clinical training over five weeks focused on essential caregiving skills for long term care settings. Classes meet Fridays 2pm–10pm and Saturdays 8am–8pm at the Abilene Campus.
Visit websitePatty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
Cost$950Hours100Weeks3
- Address
- 2149 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 370-4530
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
PHSSN offers a CNA program with 60 hours of online coursework plus 40 hours of clinical instruction; evening cohorts run 7–8 weeks and a fast‑pace option is 3 weeks. The 950 course cost includes clinical supplies, required attire, and skills validation.
Visit websiteAbilene ISD
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2442 Cedar Street, Abilene, TX 79601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 794-4120
Abilene ISD is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteBright Stars of the Future
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1201 Clarks Dr., Abilene, TX 79602
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 670-9293
Bright Stars of the Future is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteHendrick Medical Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4310 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 670-5312
Hendrick Medical Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websitePACE Partners for Advancing Career Education
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1850 TX-351, Abilene, TX 79601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 675-8600
PACE Partners for Advancing Career Education is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWisteria Place Nursing & Rehabilitation
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3202 S. Willis St. Building B, Abilene, TX 79605
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 692-6145
Wisteria Place Nursing & Rehabilitation is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWylie High School Nurse Aide Program
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4502 Antilley Road, Abilene, TX 79606
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (325) 690-1181
Wylie High School offers a Certified Nurse Aide class within its Health Science program, providing students with classroom instruction and hands-on learning. School news highlights active CNA cohorts and guest speakers from nursing careers.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 8 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Texas cities
- Houston53 programs
- San Antonio25 programs
- Dallas24 programs
- Austin9 programs
- Fort Worth5 programs
- El Paso7 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Abilene
| Median annual pay | $32,880 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.00 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 850 |
| Salary region | Abilene |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
Abilene supports a steady workforce of approximately 850 certified nursing assistants according to regional data. Local hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies consistently seek qualified CNAs who have completed approved training programs. This ongoing demand creates stable job prospects for those entering or advancing within patient care fields throughout the city. CNA jobs in Abilene are available in a range of healthcare settings.
The CNA salary in Abilene reflects regional economic conditions. In Abilene, CNAs earn around $32,880 per year or $15.81 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data—a figure somewhat below Texas’s median annual wage of $35,110 for this occupation. These wage levels may be influenced by local cost-of-living factors but still offer reliable income potential within entry-level healthcare roles across west-central Texas.
CNA job opportunities are available at many CMS-certified facilities across Abilene. Major employers include Hendrick Skilled Nursing Facility (20 beds), Mesa Springs Healthcare Center (89 beds), and Wisteria Place (123 beds), each providing residential care services requiring hands-on support from trained assistants. Hospital systems such as Hendrick Medical Center—a key acute care provider—and Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Abilene also employ CNAs directly or indirectly through affiliated services. Kinder Hearts Home Health stands out among local home health agencies with its high-quality ratings and patient-focused service model.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Abilene (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in Abilene providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Hendrick Skilled Nursing Facility1900 Pine(325) 670-2000Map | 20 | 3.3 |
| Mesa Springs Healthcare Center7171 Buffalo Gap Rd(325) 692-8080Map | 89 | 2.2 |
| Wesley Court Health Center2617 Antilley Road(325) 437-1184Map | 30 | 2.2 |
| Wisteria Place3202 S Willis St(325) 695-3233Map | 123 | 2.1 |
| Windcrest Health & Rehabilitation6050 Hospital Dr(325) 692-1533Map | 120 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Abilene (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Abilene offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hendrick Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1900 Pine(325) 670-2000Map | 2/5 |
| Oceans Behavioral Hospital Of AbilenePsychiatric · 4225 Woods Place(325) 468-8782Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Abilene (8 facilities)
8 home health agencies in Abilene providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Kinder Hearts Home Health842 N Mockingbird Ln(325) 672-6135Map | 4.5/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health1 Village Drive, Suite 402(325) 691-9947Map | 4.0/5 |
| Hendrick Home Health4310 Buffalo Gap Rd(325) 673-3711Map | 3.0/5 |
| Renew Home Health6382 Buffalo Gap Rd. Ste C(325) 692-9100Map | 3.0/5 |
| Big Country Healthcare Services Llc2434 S 7Th St(325) 675-0559Map | 2.5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Abilene? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Clyde, Sweetwater, Breckenridge, Coleman, and Cisco, or browse the Texas CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Abilene, TX
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Abilene, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Texas. These include completing an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (60 classroom and 40 clinical hours in a licensed nursing facility)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Background check per Texas Health & Safety Code §250.006
- Placement on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by HHSC)
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities throughout Abilene and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to transfer your certification without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Texas guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal requirements, and maintaining active status, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Texas guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Abilene.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Abilene
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Abilene?
Most CNA programs in Abilene can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.
How much does CNA training cost in Abilene?
Published total costs in Abilene range from $850 to $950. 2 of 8 programs publish a price. The lowest-priced paid option is Cisco College at $850. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Abilene?
No program in Abilene is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Texas cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Abilene?
Yes. Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Abilene?
Yes. 2 programs in Abilene are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Abilene there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Clyde, Sweetwater, Breckenridge, Coleman and Cisco. You can also look at the Texas state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Texas CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Texas, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Texas CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Abilene?
CNAs in Abilene are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 11 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 8 home health agencies in Abilene. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.